insidious formal (something dangerous or deadly that seems to be harmless) They are attempting to put insidious ideas in our minds. You don’t recognize this insidious disease until it’s too late. invidious formal (unpleasant and likely to offend other people or make them jealous) The director never makes …
Read More »yoke vs. yolk
yoke (a wooden bar fastened across the necks of two oxen and attached to the plow) I had to borrow a yoke and two oxen to plow the field. literary (a situation or an experience that limits your freedom and makes your life very difficult to bear) The country is still …
Read More »balmy vs. barmy
balmy air, weather, etc. (warm and pleasant) A balmy breeze was blowing across the river. It’s a balmy evening, isn’t it? barmy (crazy, foolish) I’ll go barmy if I stay here any longer. I think this is a barmy idea. envocabulary.com
Read More »inflict vs. afflict
inflict (to make suffer something unpleasant or painful) Years of war inflicted severe damage on the economy. The fences fitted with razor blades inflicted serious injuries on refugees fleeing war. afflict (cause suffering; distress) The disease has afflicted hundreds in the region. He was afflicted by the death …
Read More »venal vs. venial
venal (willing to do anything in return for money, corrupt) The venal court official accepted the bribe. He was involved in several venal practices. venial formal (a minor sin or offence that can be forgiven) It’s a venial sin to steal a pen and a mortal sin to steal a …
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